Merzouga: Erg Chebbi Camel Trek & Overnight Berber Camp

Summary

Camel trek into sahara dunes with dinner music and sunrise views

You’ll ride camels through Erg Chebbi’s shifting sands as sunset falls, share mint tea and Berber music by firelight at a desert camp, then wake early for sunrise over the Sahara. With dinner, breakfast, private tent and return camel trek included, it’s an experience that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence actually sounds like? I didn’t really get it until we left Merzouga behind on those gentle, lurching camels, the sand swallowing up every footstep. Our guide Hassan handed me a scarf — “for the wind,” he said — and showed me how to tie it so I wouldn’t eat half the desert. The sun was slipping down behind Erg Chebbi, turning everything gold and then kind of purple. I kept thinking: this is real? My legs were already sore from the camel ride but honestly, I didn’t care.

We reached the camp just as dusk settled in. Someone was already pouring mint tea — that smell, sweet and sharp at the same time — and there was laughter coming from one of the tents. Dinner was tagine (I tried to ask for seconds in my terrible French; Hassan just grinned). Afterward, a couple of guys started drumming around the fire. The rhythm got into your bones somehow. I lay back on the sand later and stared up at more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s weird how quiet it gets out there, except for someone snoring two tents over.

Next morning, someone knocked gently on my tent before sunrise. I almost ignored it (I’m not a morning person), but wow — watching that first light spill over the dunes made me forget about sleep entirely. We had breakfast while the air was still cool, then rode our camels back to Merzouga with sand stuck everywhere and hair full of wind. There’s something about seeing those endless dunes in both directions that sticks with you long after you leave. Still can’t believe I did it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel ride and desert camp experience

• Meet team at guest house
• Park your car if needed
• Start camel ride at 5pm
• Ride camels for 1 hour 30 minutes
• Watch sunset on sand dunes
• Continue camel ride to camp
• Arrive and welcome with mint tea
• Have dinner at camp
• Enjoy traditional Berber music
• Walk on dunes and watch stars

Day 2 — Sunrise and return to Merzouga

• Wake early to watch sunrise
• Have breakfast at camp
• Ride camels back to Merzouga town
• End of camel ride and desert camp

Top questions

How long is the Merzouga camel ride to the camp?

The camel ride to the camp takes about 1 hour 30 minutes each way.

Is dinner included at the overnight desert camp?

Yes, both dinner and breakfast are included during your stay at the camp.

Do I need to bring my own tent or sleeping bag?

No, a private tent is provided for you at either standard or luxury camp options.

Can I park my car safely in Merzouga?

Yes, free car parking is available in Merzouga before starting your camel trek.

Is there traditional Berber music at night?

Yes, after dinner there is traditional Berber music around the fire at camp.

What time does the camel trekking start?

The camel trekking usually starts around 5pm from Merzouga town.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Can I stay more than one night at the desert camp?

Yes, it’s possible to stay longer; you can message to arrange extra nights at camp.

What’s included

Your overnight includes a guided camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes from Merzouga with return transfer by camel in the morning, private tent accommodation (standard or luxury), dinner under desert skies with traditional Berber music by firelight, breakfast before departure, fresh mint tea on arrival at camp, free sandboard use if you want to try sliding down a dune or two, plus secure car parking back in town before you set off into the Sahara.